Establishing a safe and healthful working environment requires every employer, whether it be large or small, and every employee to make safety and health a top priority. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) was passed in order to set and enforce protective workplace safety to workers and employers. This act is aimed at reducing injuries, illnesses and fatalities, and increasing an improvement in safety.
“To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions…” – The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act)
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3021.pdf
With that being said, employers have a significant amount of responsibilities to make the workplace a safe environment. A workplace should not have serious hazards and must follow every OSHA safety and health standard. As an employer, it is his or her responsibility to find and correct any and all potential safety or health hazards and keep them under control. The employer must also educate themselves and their workers about potential hazards through training or information sheets. If a problem does arise, it is the employer’s responsibility to aid the situation and keep record of any work-related injuries or illnesses. Worker’s compensation is a mandatory insurance system in which the employer protects his or her employees no matter the circumstance.
There is no such thing as being too safe. As technological progress continues to evolve, so do potential hazards. No matter where one works, there may be potential risk. Safety provides a comfortable work environment, and if issues arise it is up to the employer to handle it and the employee to know his or her rights.
If you, or someone you know, is facing legal issues in the workplace, United Employees Law Group has answers. Call Today for your free and confidential case review.
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